SPRING/SUMMER 2016 NEWSLETTER
LAURA’S MARCH 2016
Laura’s March to End Sexual Violence will take place on September 10 at Oakledge Park. We will
be raising funds for designated programs of H.O.P.E. Works, the sexual assault crisis and
prevention center; Pride Center of Vermont, the educational and advocacy center for the LGBTQ
community; and The Safety Team, an organization of 7 women martial artists working with
interns from local colleges to empower women by teaching “effective communication, boundary
setting, and practical physical and mental self-defense strategies.”
“To everything there is a season .....”
September 10 will mark the 10th annual Laura’s March, and we feel it is an appropriate time to
make this the final year for Laura’s March. Since establishing the Fund in 2005, we have donated
over $160,000 to numerous Vermont organizations and charities. We hope to make this last March
our biggest and best fundraiser to date so we can continue to make a significant impact on Vermont
for years to come. We hope that you will help us make this last Laura’s March a spectacular one that
propels Laura’s Fund onward with renewed vigor and financial security.
Be assured that The LKW Fund itself will continue its work in perpetuity and remain committed to
its dual mission of ending sexual violence and helping survivors and supporting programs for
children. We pledge to keep you informed of our activities as we move forward.
LAURA’S MARCH PRIMARY BENEFICIARY PROGRAMS AND GOALS



H.O.P.E. Works will expand free counseling and clinical support services to children, youth, and
“their non-offending friends/family/loved ones.”
Pride Center will expand advocacy to LGBTQ immigrant farm workers and help them access
opportunities and services, especially sexual violence-related services.
The Safety Team will use the funds for its Women Inspiring Safety and Empowerment (WISE)
program for high school and college women to teach them self-defense, self-advocacy skills, and
comprehensive safety techniques.
REMEMBERING DEBBIE GILBERT
Debbie Gilbert, who passed away in March, was a cherished friend of Laura
and a founding member of the LKW Fund. She had a flair for bringing to our
attention community programs in need of funds. She and Laura shared a
passion for animal welfare, so it was especially significant to us to be able to
provide over $1000 in Camp Paw Paw summer camp scholarships with the
funds many donated to us in Debbie’s memory. We have also arranged for a
memorial stone for Debbie on Church Street in Burlington and are currently
awaiting its placement, which we will then announce.
Here is Debbie running Registration at our Silent Auction.
DONATIONS UPDATE 2016


In March, we contributed funds to Burlington’s 3rd annual Women’s Day Celebration, an
event that recognizes the triumphs and accomplishments of women.
In May, we provided camp scholarship money to Camp Paw Paw, Burlington City Arts, and
Dirt Divas and Rosie’s Girls of Vt Works for Women.
LAURA’S ART STUDIO AT KING STREET CENTER
Laura's Art Studio continues to attract leading artists to work with children on art projects that
captivate and challenge creative minds. Having now raised $28,000, we are closer to our goal of
$40,000 pledged to King Street Center. We very much welcome and appreciate your support.
A THOUGHT…
I dwell in possibility. – Emily Dickinson
Possibility infuses our lives with hope. It reminds us that we can make better choices and make
changes. It reminds us that we can survive hardships and ordeals and reclaim our lives. It reminds
us that there are solutions to problems, that justice and equality and physical and emotional wellbeing are attainable goals. Believing in possibility assures us that we can consciously evolve our
lives; and that belief, in itself, can have the power to transform our lives and enable us to prevail.
If you would like to support our mission, you can mail a donation to LKW Fund, PO Box
65176, Burlington VT 05401; or visit www.firstgiving.com/lkwfund.
With abiding gratitude for your support, we wish you a season of sunshine and possibility.